Releasing butterflies as a symbol of hope in support of Ependymoma Day

Butterflies were released as a symbol of hope as community members and friends gathered to honour Ependymoma Day on 7 May in support of Lonehill resident, Layla O’Neill, who has been suffering from the illness for the past three years.

“This day means so much to me and it is close to my heart, not because of the children who suffer from it, but the day being a symbol of hope for those who suffer from it,” said Layla’s mother, Sharyn.

“Just as a caterpillar changes to a butterfly… a butterfly changes to hope, and hope is holding on, never giving up, holding on to the power of possibility.”

Ependymoma is a primary tumor which either starts in the brain or spine.

Layla, with her fighting spirit, turned seven on 9 May, two years past her expected life span. Sharyn and Ependy Angels, a non-profit organisation Sharyn founded to help promote and raise awareness about rare childhood cancers, thanked community members for all their support as well as to those who still support Layla with their continuous prayers.

The day took place at Lappies Park in Lonehill, as community members brought their picnic baskets along and children enjoyed creating glittering arts and crafts butterflies.

“Our journey started with Layla, our princess who has fought and still fighting ependymoma,” said Sharyn.

“I could stand here and tell her story but we would need three years, which is how long she has been fighting. With 24 tumors, a few brain tumor seedlings, three brain stem tumors and two cysts in the brain later, she is still with us.”

She added that every day could be their last day with Layla but they were always hopeful for tomorrow.

“We unite our voices as we stand together with those diagnosed today and for those who are diagnosed tomorrow,” said Sharyn. “We become the difference, the source of hope for those to come and we remember those who have fallen as we rejoice those who never give up.”

Details: sharyn.oneill@ependyangels.co.za